DMV chiefs push for improved drivers license systems

DMV chiefs push for improved drivers license systems

By Wilson P. Dizard III

Jan 22, 2002

A task force of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is calling for improvements in driver's license issuance standards to close security loopholes in the nation's leading identity document.

Without a more consistent national process for issuing licenses and systems for verifying data, DMV officials warn that unscrupulous individuals will continue to register for and exploit licenses from states that have the worst procedural and technical weaknesses.

The association advocated federal funding for the Driver Record Information Verification System. DRIVERS would let state and federal agencies share already collected driver information. The system would pave the way for improvements in identity verification, privacy protection and highway safety, the association said.

The association of DMV directors also called for stiffer penalties for identity fraud.

'Without these measures, a non-U.S. citizen who obtains a driver's license may remain mobile within U.S. borders long after their visa has expired,' according to a statement by the group.